Creamy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup: Cozy Comfort Food at Its Best 🥣🧄🧀🌿
1. Introduction
When the weather shifts and you crave something warm, hearty, and full of comforting flavors, a bowl of potato soup recipe offers the perfect solution. This creamy potato soup combines the richness of cheddar, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the freshness of herbs to create a delectable cheesy garlic herb soup that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this delicious soup is easy to make and always satisfying.
2. Ingredients for this creamy potato soup
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: crispy bacon, chopped chives, extra shredded cheese
3. How to make the best creamy cheese garlic herb potato soup
Step 1: Prepare your ingredients
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. This ensures even cooking and great flavor distribution.
Step 2: Cook the aromatics and potatoes
In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cook until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender—around 15 minutes.
Step 3: Blend the soup
Using an immersion blender or carefully transferring to a blender, puree the soup until smooth. This creates the velvety base for your creamy potato soup. Be cautious when blending hot liquids—blend in batches if necessary.
Step 4: Add cheese and cream
Return the pureed soup to low heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the soup becomes thick and luscious. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for the perfect flavor balance.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Ladle your cheesy garlic herb soup into bowls. Garnish with additional cheese, chopped chives, or crispy bacon for extra flavor. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
4. Tips for storing and reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens upon sitting, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up before serving again.
5. Serving suggestions for your cheesy garlic herb soup
This potato soup recipe pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a slice of garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crunchy grilled cheese sandwich. Looking for more quick and tasty dinner ideas? Check out this flavorful sheet pan chicken fajitas or this comforting tater tot casserole.
6. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this potato soup recipe
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer. Use dairy-free shredded cheese to keep it vegan-friendly.
Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely! Crumbled crispy bacon, chopped chives, sour cream, or additional shredded cheese make excellent toppings that enhance the flavor and texture.
How long does it take to prepare this creamy potato soup?
The total recipe preparation and cooking time is approximately 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
To make this creamy potato soup easily, having the right tools can elevate your cooking experience. Check out these helpful gadgets:
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer – For effortlessly mixing ingredients and enhancing your kitchen setup.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Simplifies peeling, chopping, and preparing your potatoes and vegetables.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – For making soups in advance or preparing large batches.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
8. Variations and substitutions for this creamy potato soup
- Use sweet potatoes instead of russet for a sweeter flavor.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for added protein.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients.
9. Conclusion
This potato soup recipe offers a delicious combination of creamy textures, savory garlic, and cheesy goodness that makes it the perfect cozy comfort food. Whether enjoyed on a chilly day or whenever you need a soul-warming meal, this cheesy garlic herb soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Pair it with your favorite bread or salad, and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade goodness. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup for Cozy Comfort Food
A hearty and creamy potato soup infused with garlic, herbs, and topped with melted cheddar cheese, served hot for ultimate comfort.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crispy bacon, additional cheese, chopped herbs
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes, broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender to puree until smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until fully melted and creamy.
- Garnish with herbs, additional cheese, or bacon if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives and omit cheese or use vegan cheese.
- Adjust garlic and herbs to taste for a personalized flavor.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg